NE 2B story lines

Defending champs

Colfax has won four straight league titles since joining the league, which is down to six teams after Kettle Falls switched classifications .

Colfax head coach Mike Morgan knows that the Bulldogs’ resume doesn’t guarantee them a thing, though, especially with tradition-rich programs such as Lind-Ritzville/Sprague and Reardan in the league.

“I think the league will be competitive top to bottom this year,” said Morgan, who lost several players to graduation. “I think we will be contenders, but there are some really great players in this league and it’s a different dynamic.

In order to get another league title, you have to get through Lind-Ritzville/ Sprague and Reardan, and that’s no easy task.”

Challengers

The Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos are hoping to buck the Bulldogs, and quarterback Dylan Hartz could be the biggest difference maker.

“He’s a do-it-all type of quarterback,” Morgan said. “He’s a triple threat – in that he has the arm and he’s an excellent runner, but he’s also very smart, and that’s what you love about really great quarterbacks.”

The Broncos won in the opening round of last year’s state playoffs, but faced Southeast 2B and eventual state champion Waitsburg- Prescott in the quarterfinals and lost 42-7. The Cardinals went on to defeat Colfax 42-13 in the semifinals.

“Not much of a difference there when you look at it like that,” said Morgan. “I would say (L-R/S) is the favorite this year, and it’ll be a dogfight between a few teams for the title.”

Outlook

The Broncos and Bulldogs will likely finish one-two in the league, but it’s hard to say which team will walk away with the title. Morgan cautions against voting Reardan out, adding that Davenport has also had success in the past and could easily insert itself into the mix.